She's skilled in medicine, martial arts, and even understands animal language—the abandoned dau

Zhao Ming's expression was extremely complicated, as if he were entangled in a thousand emotions.

He sighed deeply, his voice filled with helplessness and guilt, and said to Shen Han, "Miss Shen, to be honest, it was not my intention to sentence you to prison. It was Her Majesty the Empress who sent me a message, asking me to give that Japanese a fair trial."

If I didn't do as I was told, not only would my own life be in danger, but my entire family would also be implicated. I had no choice but to do this against my will..."

"So this was the Empress's intention. Why would she do this?" Upon hearing this, Marquis Qingyang was furious and questioned her sharply.

"My lord, I sent men to investigate the origins of those Japanese, and they discovered that they have close ties with Zilu, a maidservant of the Empress. I suspect that the Empress is their powerful backer!"

"So that's how it is! No wonder the imperial court sent people to investigate the whereabouts of those Japanese, but all their efforts came to nothing. It turns out they were hiding in the Phoenix Palace!"

"My lord, the situation is extremely critical. You should leave immediately. If we continue to delay, none of us will survive once the Empress's reinforcements arrive!"

Fine beads of sweat appeared on Zhao Ming's forehead, his hands were gesturing unconsciously, and his words were full of urgency.

After weighing his options for a moment, undergoing a fierce internal struggle, Marquis Qingyang finally gritted his teeth and made up his mind, saying, "Fine, I'll trust you this time. If you dare to play any tricks, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

His voice was low and powerful, with undeniable authority.

Zhao Ming strode forward, frantically pulled out his keys, and quickly unlocked the door.

No one dared to delay, and they filed out one after another.

As soon as they stepped out of the side door, they heard shouts coming from afar: "Chase them this way! Don't let them get away!"

The sound was particularly jarring in the quiet night, and the hearts of Qingyang Marquis and the others were in their throats.

After the Marquis of Qingyang and his entourage left, Zhao Ming quickly locked the door and, feigning composure, walked towards the direction from which the pursuers had come.

Marquis Qingyang and his men were filled with worry and dared not stop for a moment, rushing desperately towards the outside of the city.

After leaving the city and arriving at a secluded grove, Shen Han was surprised to find a carriage parked there.

"My lord, the second young lady!"

Upon hearing the commotion, the two guards quickly jumped off the carriage and respectfully bowed to Marquis Qingyang and Shen Han.

"Have you prepared everything I asked you to?" Marquis Qingyang asked anxiously.

"Your Excellency, I have prepared sufficient travel expenses and provisions as you instructed," the guard replied crisply.

"Yes. Han'er, it's too dangerous in the capital right now. You should get in the carriage and leave now!" Marquis Qingyang looked at his daughter, his eyes full of love and concern.

"Father, what will you and Mother do if your daughter leaves?" Shen Han's eyes instantly reddened, tears welled up in her eyes, and her voice was choked with sobs.

Marquis Qingyang looked at his daughter, gently stroking her hair, and said earnestly, "Han'er, don't worry, your mother and I have our own way of dealing with this. You know that those Japanese are backed by the Empress, it's too dangerous for you to stay here."

Go to the border town to find your sister. Although she doesn't want to acknowledge us, she's always been kind-hearted. Knowing you're in trouble, she'll definitely help you.

Shen Han's tears finally welled up, and she gripped Qingyang Marquis's sleeves tightly with both hands, saying excitedly, "Father, I can't just leave like this. I want to face this with you. The Empress and the Japanese are so rampant, how can I just walk away and leave you to bear the danger alone?"

Marquis Qingyang gently patted his daughter's shoulder and comforted her, "Silly child, staying here will not only be of no help, but will also distract us. Your safety is my greatest comfort."

Your sister is capable; I'm at ease knowing you're with her. Your mother and I will wait for you to return in the capital!

The Marquis of Qingyang's eyes were full of anticipation, as if he could already see Shen Man slaughtering all the Japanese.

Shen Han bit her lip, her heart filled with conflict and reluctance.

She knew her father meant well, but how could she leave in peace when she thought about her parents facing danger alone?

At this moment, the guard commander Jiang Huai stepped forward and said, "Miss, the Marquis is right. You should leave here first, and we will come to pick you up once the situation has stabilized. Don't worry, we will definitely protect the Marquis and his wife."

Shen Han looked at Jiang Huai, then at the determined guards around her, and understood that her departure at this moment was perhaps the best choice for everyone.

"Father, you and Mother must take good care of yourselves and wait for me to come back," Shen Han said, her voice choked with emotion.

Marquis Qingyang nodded vigorously: "Don't worry, Han'er, but you must be careful yourself."

Shen Han walked slowly toward the carriage, turning back every few steps.

As she boarded the carriage, the wheels rolled, each creaking sound seeming to tug at her heartstrings.

She leaned against the carriage wall, tears streaming down her face.

But she knew that at this moment, she had no choice but to escape.

Shortly after Shen Han left, Marquis Qingyang and his men returned to their residence, only to be surrounded by palace guards.

Marquis Qingyang looked at the guards surrounding his mansion with a calm and composed expression.

He looked at Mo Ji, the leading guard commander, and shouted, "Commander Mo, what do you mean by this? My Qingyang Marquis's Mansion has always been loyal to the Emperor. Are we going to be framed with baseless charges?"

Mo Ji snorted coldly and said, "Lord Qingyang, you should know in your heart what you have done. If you honestly hand over Shen Han, everything will be fine. Otherwise, you can take the blame for her!"

Upon hearing Mo Ji's words, Marquis Qingyang laughed loudly, his laughter filled with grief, indignation, and disdain: "Mo Ji, don't let yourself be used as a pawn! What crime has my daughter committed? It is clearly the Empress who colluded with the Japanese to attempt to overthrow the court. You will surely be despised by the people for aiding and abetting such evil!"

Mo Ji's expression changed slightly, and a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his indifference: "Lord Qingyang, do not say more. This general is only acting under orders."

After saying that, he waved his hand, and the guards behind him surged toward the mansion like a tide.

The guards around Marquis Qingyang drew their weapons and engaged in fierce fighting with the attacking guards.

Swords flashed and shadows danced, shouts of battle were deafening, and blood quickly stained the ground of the mansion.

Hearing the commotion and seeing the blood all over the floor, Wang Shi, Shen Chongyang, and the others inside the house fainted from fright.

Seeing her father surrounded, Shen Minzhao quickly grabbed a weapon and joined the battle.

However, the palace guards were numerous and powerful, and Qingyang Marquis and his men were ultimately no match for them, and were all captured.

The next day, news of the arrest of the Marquis of Qingyang and his family spread like wildfire, and the people were immediately outraged.

People were talking about it everywhere, and their dissatisfaction with the court and the empress had reached its peak.